KR20180115251A - Mask - My feedback system - Google Patents

Abstract

An in-mask display or feedback system having a lens coupled to a face blank of a mask is disclosed herein, wherein the lens covers the face. The feedback system includes a display device coupled to the facepiece and disposed within the interior of the mask, wherein the display device is powered by a first power source coupled to the housing of the display device. The feedback system further includes a recording device (e.g., a camera) coupled to the face blank, wherein the recording device is operable to communicate data (wirelessly or wired) with the display device. In some approaches, the writing device is powered by a second power supply. In other approaches, the first power source provides power to both the recording device and the display device. In another approach, the display device includes an adjustment aperture formed therethrough to allow adjustment of the eyepiece receiving the display.

Description

Mask - My feedback system

This disclosure relates generally to personal safety equipment and, more particularly, to a mask that includes an in-mask display system with thermal imaging capabilities.

A supplied-air respirator, such as a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), can be used in a dangerous environment, such as a fire, and in a restricted space where breathing is difficult or impossible without mechanical assistance Let's do it. A ventilated respirator may include, for example, a full facepiece, a harness and carrier assembly, a gas cylinder containing breathable high pressure compressed air (or other oxygen containing gas), and at least one, and more typically two Pressure regulator. The first or first-stage regulator is typically mounted in the vicinity of an air cylinder and serves to reduce the relatively high pressure of compressed air from the air cylinder to above atmospheric pressure.

An air purifying respirator (APR) may be mounted on a helmet or soot to provide filtered air to the respiratory mask for breathing and to the sole for ventilation. These devices reduce the suction resistance created by the filters and increase the level of protection by creating a positive pressure in the face area.

A powered air purifying respirator (PAPR) continuously supplies positive air to the respirator to maintain positive pressure within the respiratory tract. PAPR is typically used in military, industrial, and / or hazardous environments to provide personal respiratory protection by preventing ambient air from entering the user's mask, helmet, or hood. The respiratory hazard may include particulate matter, noxious gas, or vapor that is removed by passing ambient air through the filter. Typically, a powered air purifying respirator includes a powered fan that pressurizes ambient air through one or more filters for delivery to an inlet opening in the respirator. The pan and filter may be mounted on a face mask, or, in some cases, mounted on a belt or backpack and connected to the face mask through a hose and pan. The power for the fan is typically mounted remotely from the face mask but may also be mounted on the mask itself.

A face mask or face portion, which is typically sealed to the user ' s face, may include a lens through which the user can see the environment. The face portion also includes an interface or mounting portion in fluid communication with the second-stage conditioner through which the vented air passes through the face mask, and an exhalation port through which breathing air passes therethrough. In some facial parts, a single port is used for both depressed and depressed air. In other facets, separate ports are used. The user's breath controls the valve system, which may include an intake valve and an exhalation valve, which controls the delivery of pressurized air through the second-stage regulator. Often, it is desirable to maintain a slight positive pressure in the face portion against the ambient pressure. The face portion for a breathable respirator in which the positive pressure is maintained within the face portion is often referred to as a pressure demand face portion while the other face portion for a breathable respirator is often referred to as the required face portion.

The face portion (or referred to as a headtop), which is typically sealed to the user's face or neck, may include a lens through which the user can see the environment. The facepiece or head saw also includes an interface or mount for fluid connection of the filter or hose through which the exhaust air passes into the facial mask, and an exhalation port through which the respiratory air passes therethrough. In some facial parts, a single port is used for both depressed and depressed air. In other facets or head tops, separate ports are used. The user's breath controls a valve system (e.g., including an intake valve and an exhalation valve) that controls the delivery of pressurized or vacuum air.

For example, information about the air supply of the respiratory apparatus, data about the status of the power supply and / or other systems, information about other users in the vicinity of the user, exhaust warning and / Lt; / RTI > Display of information has been provided to users of the breathing apparatus in many ways. In one example, the display may be provided in the vicinity of the second stage regulator. In another example, the display may alternatively be provided on the outer portion of the lens. In the case of a display that is external to the face of the respirator, smoke or other environmental conditions may obscure the user's view of the display, unless it is located very close to the lens of the face. In addition, harsh environmental conditions can adversely affect the operation of the display. In addition, care must be taken not to excessively disturb the user's view when positioning the display in the vicinity of the face.

Providing a display within the interior of the face portion may eliminate one or more adverse effects of the surrounding environment on the display, but may include, for example, the weight of the face portion, the center of gravity of the face portion, the cost of the user's face, the face portion, and / Other problems with aspects can arise.

In view of the foregoing, an apparatus according to one approach of this disclosure comprises a face portion disposed within the interior of the mask, and a lens coupled to the face blank, wherein the lens covers the face portion. The apparatus further includes a feedback system disposed between the lens and the face portion, wherein the feedback system includes a display device coupled to the face portion, and a power source coupled to the display device, wherein the power source is coupled to the display device As shown in FIG. The feedback system further includes a recording device coupled to the facial blank and external to the lens, wherein the recording device is operable to communicate data with the display device.

A mask-based feedback system in accordance with another approach of this disclosure includes a face system disposed within the interior of the mask, a lens coupled to the face blank, covering the face, and a feedback system disposed between the lens and the face. The feedback system may include a display device coupled to the face portion, the display device including a first data communication system and a power source coupled to the display device, the power source electrically coupled to the display device to power the display device . The feedback system may further include a feedback device coupled to the facial blank and external to the lens, the feedback device including a camera and a second communication system operable to wirelessly communicate data to the display device.

A mask in accordance with another approach of the present disclosure may include a face portion configured to engage a face of a user, a face blank extending around the face portion, and a lens coupled to the face blank, wherein the lens extends over the face portion. The mask further comprises a mask-feedback system disposed between the lens and the face. The mask-feedback system includes a display device coupled to the face portion, the display device including a first data communication system and a power source coupled to the display device, the power source being electrically coupled to the display device to power the display device Lt; / RTI > The power source may be disposed between the distal end of the lens and the face portion. The mask-feedback system further includes a feedback device coupled to the facial blank and external to the lens, wherein the feedback device includes a camera and a second communication system operable to wirelessly communicate data to the display device.

Now, by way of example, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIGS. 1A and 1B show views of an exemplary mask including a mask-in-display system in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.
Figures 2a and 2b illustrate a face view of the exemplary mask of Figures 1a and 1b and a view of a display device in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.
Figures 3a and 3b show views of a display device of the exemplary mask of Figures 1a and 1b according to aspects of the present disclosure.
Figure 4 shows an exploded view of a display device of the exemplary mask of Figures Ia and Ib according to aspects of the present disclosure.
Figures 5A and 5B illustrate views of the camera of the exemplary mask of Figures 1A and 1B in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.
Figure 6 shows an exploded view of the camera of Figures 5a and 5b in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.
Figs. 7A and 7B show a plurality of possible camera angles of a camera of the mask-in display system of Figs. 1A and 1B.
Figure 8 illustrates a number of possible mask display system scenarios that a user will see.
9A-9C illustrate views of another exemplary mask including a mask-in-display system in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.
10 illustrates a face mask and exemplary display device of the exemplary mask of Figs. 9A-9C according to aspects of the present disclosure; Fig.
11 illustrates a diagram of an exemplary mask including a lower section according to aspects of the present disclosure;
The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. The drawings are merely representations and are not intended to represent any specific parameter of the present disclosure. The drawings are intended to illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and are not therefore to be construed as limiting the scope. In the drawings, like numbering represents like elements.

An improved mask according to the present disclosure will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the system and method are shown. The system may be implemented in many different forms and is not to be construed as limited to the embodiments described herein. Instead, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the systems and methods to those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains.

For convenience and clarity, the terms "top", "bottom", "upper", "lower", "vertical", "horizontal", "lateral", and "longitudinal" Will be used herein to describe the relative placement and orientation of these components and their components relative to the geometry and orientation of the components of the semiconductor manufacturing device as shown in Fig. The term shall include words specifically mentioned, derivations thereof, and words of similar meaning.

As used herein, an element or operation that is numbered sequentially and proceeds with the words "a" or "an" is understood to encompass potentially a plurality of elements or operations. In addition, reference to "one embodiment" of the present disclosure is not intended to be construed as an exclusion of the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the listed features.

Referring now to FIGS. 1A and 1B, an exemplary mask including a face portion (alternatively referred to as a face mask or headtop) mounting feedback and breathing systems will be described in greater detail. As used herein, terms such as "forward," " forward, "" rearward," " rearward, "" upward," Refers to reference directions associated with a person wearing a mask 10 and standing generally straight.

As shown, the mask 10 includes a face blank 12, which may be made of, for example, silicone rubber, and includes a rear opening 14 sealing around the face of the user. Generally, the face blank 12 includes a jaw section 16 that is sealed around the jaw area of the user, side sections 18, 20 that seal around respective sides of the user's face, And a forehead section (22) opposite the sealing jaw section (16). The face blank 12 is attached to the lens 24 by a sealing member 28 extending along the peripheral rim or edge of the face blank 12. The face blank 12 includes a plurality of fasteners 30A through 30E (e.g., a clasp or buckle) for attaching a face blank to a head net (not shown) worn by a user. The mask 10 may further include a recording or feedback device, such as an A / V camera 48, coupled to either side section 18 or 20 of the face blank 12, Will be described in more detail below.

The mask 10 may further include first and second breathing and / or filtering components 32, 34 formed through a set of corresponding openings in the lower section of the lens 24. [ In one embodiment, the first and second breathing and / or filtering components 32, 34 are coupled to the sealing member 28 at the first and second connections 36, 38. As shown, the first and second connection portions 36, 38 each extend about its perimeter and are disposed on opposite sides of the lens 24 to provide a sealed engagement with the lens 24, Or seal rings 40 that form a connection, fit, or connection.

As shown, the lens 24 includes an aperture 42 that is generally centered through its lower section. The center opening 42 is formed in the front end wall 44 of the lens 24 and the front end wall 44 extends away from the jaw section 16. [ In the exemplary embodiments, the lens 24 may be injection molded from a polymeric material, such as, for example, a transparent polycarbonate.

Referring now to Figures 1A and 2B, the face portion will be described in more detail. As shown, the mask 10 further comprises a face portion 50 disposed between the lens 24 and the face blank 12, wherein the face portion 50 is generally configured to cover the mouth and nose of the wearer do. The face portion 50 includes a main body 52 and a forward portion 56 extending from the main body 52 toward the central opening 42 of the lens 24. [ The main body 52 of the face portion 50 has a plurality of openings 58A to 58D and 61 formed therein and the openings 58-A, 58-D and 61 have respective first and second respiration / RTI > and / or to receive and / or release the haptics from the user.

As shown, the front portion 56 of the face portion 50 includes a retaining flange 60 disposed at its distal end. The retaining flange 60 has an opening 61 formed therein and the opening 61 is generally aligned with the central opening 42 of the lens 24. [ The retaining flange 60 further includes an interior shelf 62 surrounding the opening 61 and extending generally perpendicularly from the forward portion 56. The rim 64 extends from the inner shelf 62.

In the exemplary embodiments, the face portion 50 is coupled to a pressure regulator (not shown) of filtered air that includes negative pressure and positive air, which, if desired, passes through an opening 61 in the front portion 56 Respiratory gas is delivered to the user. The pressure regulator may include a housing in which the diaphragm is disposed and the diaphragm divides the regulator into an inner chamber fluidly connected to the interior of the face portion 50 and an outer chamber typically fluidly connected to the ambient environment at ambient pressure . The diaphragm is coupled to an actuating mechanism that opens and closes the inlet valve. The user's breath creates a pressure differential between the inner chamber and the outer chamber, which in turn controls (e. G., Opens and closes) the inlet valve by causing displacement of the diaphragm. As a result, the regulator may be a pressure demand regulator or a positive or negative pressure valve system.

In one non-limiting embodiment, the retaining flange 60 has a limacon shape. As such, the pressure regulator and / or respiratory source and its associated interface may be "keyed " by the irregular shape of the inner shelf 62 and rim 64 of the retaining flange 60. As shown, the snail shape and the presence of the point 68 of the rim 64 provide asymmetry to the retaining flange 60, which permits the pressure regulator to be positioned in the forward portion 56 of the face portion 50 Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > interface port.

Referring now to Figures 2-4, the feedback system of the mask 10 will be described in more detail. As shown, the feedback system 65 includes a display device 70 coupled to the front portion 56 of the face portion 50, and the display device 70 may include, for example, In communication with the camera 48 (Figure 1) over a wired or wireless connection. The display device 70 may include a chassis 71 and a chassis cover 72 configured to receive the front portion 56 through respective openings formed therein. In one embodiment, the chassis 71 may be coupled to the chassis cover 72 via a set of screws. As shown, the chassis 71 includes an arcuate flange 73 having a front surface 74 and an upper surface 75, and the front surface 74 is generally adjacent to the lens 24 (Figs. 1-2) Respectively. The chassis 71 further includes a hinge 76 coupled to the arcuate flange 73 for rotatably coupling the chassis to an eye piece 77.

The chassis 71 may include a recessed portion 78 that is sized to receive the flange 60 of the front portion 56, as best seen in FIG. The inner shelf 62 of the retaining flange 60 is seated in the recessed portion 78 while the rim 64 of the flange 60 is projected through the opening of the chassis 71, . The chassis 71 further includes a set of fasteners (e. G., Clips) 67, 69 for releasably securing the display device 70 to the lens 24.

The chassis 71 further includes an adjusting hole 80 formed therethrough. The adjustment hole 80 extends through the chassis 71 and is generally aligned with the corresponding opening 81 through the bracket 82 of the chassis cover 72. The adjustment hole 80 and opening 81 provide an inlet for a tool (not shown) to be inserted therein to adjust the position of the eyepiece 77. For example, a tool (e.g., a pin or rod) may engage with the eyepiece 77 to rotate the eyepiece 77 about an axis formed by the pins of the hinge 76. This allows the user to manually and externally adjust the position of the eyepiece 77 without having to remove the mask 10.

As further shown, the eyepiece 77 includes a cylinder or chamber 83 extending from the electronics cover 84 and a removable lid 85 configured to receive a printed circuit board (PCB) 86 therein. . The PCB 86 operates in conjunction with the optical element 87 and the display 88 (e. G., A microdisplay), which are disposed within the cylinder 83 to provide visual images and feedback to the user. Display 88 may include one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs), a liquid crystal display (LCD), an incandescent lamp, and / or other types of visual indicators, individually or in any combination, as used herein, But is not limited thereto.

In one embodiment, the PCB 86 includes a first data communication system 97, as described in more detail below. The eyepiece 77 may be powered by a power source 90 such as one or more batteries held by a battery container 91 disposed within the battery chamber 92. The battery chamber 92 may include a battery hatch 93 that is pivotally secured by a hinge 94 at one end thereof. As shown, the power source 90 is secured within the battery holder 95 and the battery holder 95 is configured to provide snap-fit engagement with the battery chamber 92 through the plurality of tabs 96A-96C. do. The power supply 90 can supply power to the display device 70 through the insulated wiring 66 extending into the chassis cover 72. In exemplary embodiments, the power source 90 is positioned within the interior of the mask 10, i.e., between the face portion 50 and the lens 24, in an area proximate the jaw section 16 (Figs. 1A and 1B) .

Referring now to Figures 1a, 1b, 5a, 5b, and 6, the camera 48 of the feedback system will be described in greater detail. In the exemplary embodiments, the camera 48 is a thermal imaging camera coupled to the exterior of the face blank 12 and the lens 24 with or without the mounting bracket 98. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the camera 48 may not be directly coupled to the face blank 12 and / or the lens 24. [ Instead, the camera 48 may be positioned outside the lens 24 and face 50, e.g., on the top of the helmet, or attached to a chest harness or belt worn by the user. Some embodiments herein are not limited to one particular camera location or camera type.

The camera 48 is gimbaled and can be zoomable through electronic controls and can include a combination of a fisheye camera as well as a zoomable camera or can be a reflex mirror camera or a combination of infrared or ultraviolet or any combination Or other suitable camera system. It will be appreciated that multiple cameras and / or microphones may be used as part of a heads-up display (HUD) or in mask display (IMD). Also, other camera types may be used, and the disclosure is not limited to geometry or camera type. For example, a single omnidirectional mirror lens camera can be used in place of multiple cameras. The cameras are not limited to only visible light cameras, and they may be infrared, ultraviolet, or other, or any combination. In addition, data from multiple cameras and camera types may be combined and / or aligned and / or overlaid to improve the understanding and usability of the data.

6, the camera 48 further includes a lid 102 secured to the main housing 100 by a set of fastening elements 104 (e.g., screws) do. In one embodiment, the lid 102 includes an opening 106 formed therein to receive the power button 108. [ The power button 108 may be pressed by the user to actuate a switch or contact of the PCB stack 110 disposed within the main housing 100. [ The camera 48 includes a lens assembly 114 that may include a lens 114, a lens gasket 116, a lens retainer 118, a light source 120 (e.g., a light pipe), and a light source o- Gt; 112 < / RTI >

Camera 48 may include one or more batteries (not shown) housed within battery carrier 130 for powering internal power supply 128, e.g., PCB stack 110 and lens assembly 112. In one embodiment, (Not shown). The battery carrier 130 includes battery hatch o-rings 132, 134 and a battery hatch 136 disposed at a bottom end thereof. The camera 48 further includes power cables 140 and a voltage bridge 142 for electrically connecting the batteries and the PCB stack 110 / lens assembly 112. The camera 48 may also be adjustable relative to a generally horizontal view plane of the mask 10, for example, as indicated by the different camera angles in Figures 7A and 7B.

In the exemplary embodiments, the camera 48 is configured to communicate wirelessly (WiFi, Bluetooth, Infrared-IR, or other suitable wireless technology) with the display 88 (FIG. 4). For example, the PCB stack 110 may include a second data communication system 113 operable with a first data communication system 97 of the PCB 86 of the eyepiece 77. In one embodiment, the first data communication system 97 includes a pressure transducer in fluid communication with a respiratory gas tank (not shown), a PASS device, a power source 90, a remote system communicatively coupled to the user, and / To receive data from various components including, but not limited to, a wired or wireless manner known in the communications art, or to receive information from a fixed or portable gas detection device. The first data communication system 97 communicates the received data from the components and generates a visual output to be displayed to the user via the display 88, non-limiting examples of which are shown in the exemplary display outputs < RTI ID = 0.0 > RTI ID = 0.0 > 120A-120I. ≪ / RTI > In one non-limiting embodiment, the images captured from the camera 48, as indicated by the display outputs 120B-120D, contain information such as the amount of oxygen remaining in the oxygen source coupled to the mask 10 Lt; / RTI > In other embodiments, such information may include 1) a battery power level; 2) the use time of the mask by the user; 3) current location information; 4) information about other people within a particular area; 5) map information; 6) Temperature information.

In the exemplary embodiment, the thermal imaging visual data received via the camera 48 is processed by the second data communication system 113 and wirelessly transmitted to the first data communication system 97. The camera 48 may include or incorporate an ultrasonic transceiver that is coupled to the first data communication system 97 and provides additional computer-generated imaging that may be displayed as an ultrasound image. The camera 48 may capture environmental information, such as IR, visible or low optical images, ultrasound images, of the environment that the user is facing and may transmit it in a compressed or uncompressed form to the first data communication system 97 have.

Referring now to Figures 9A-11, an exemplary mask including facial mount feedback and respiratory systems in accordance with another embodiment will be described in greater detail. As shown, the mask 210 includes a face blank 212, which may be made of, for example, silicone rubber, which includes a rear opening 214 that seals around the face of the user. Generally, the face blank 212 includes a jaw section 216 that is sealed around the jaw area of the user, side sections 218, 220 that seal around respective sides of the user's face, And a forehead section 222 opposite the sealing jaw section 216. The face blank 212 is attached to the lens 224 by a sealing member 228 extending along the peripheral rim or edge of the face blank 212. The face blank 212 includes a plurality of fasteners 230A-230N (e.g., a clasp or buckle) for attaching the face blank 212 to the head net 223 (Fig. 11) worn by the user . The mask 210 may further include a camera 248 coupled to the side section 218, the structure and operation of which will be described in more detail below.

The mask 210 is configured to receive a set of breathing and / or filtering components (not shown) formed through apertures in the lower section of the lens 224. In one embodiment, a set of breathing and / or filtering components are coupled to the sealing member 228. For example, the mask 210 may accommodate a powered or non-powered air purifying respirator (PAPR).

As shown, the lens 224 includes an aperture 242 that is generally centrally disposed therein. The center opening 242 may be formed in the front end wall 244 of the lens 224. Below the opening is an integrated bottom section 246 formed around the lower portion of the lens 224. The bottom section 246 generally conforms to the shape of the lens 224 including the front end wall 244, but such configuration is not intended to be limiting. As shown, the bottom section 246 includes a top edge 249 that is generally planar with and extending from the distal end 251 of the lens 224. The outer edge 252 of the bottom section 246 can be coupled to the sealing member 228. The bottom section 246 may further include a semicircular opening 254 substantially aligned with the central opening 242 of the lens and the opening 261 of the face portion 250. The bottom section 246 may further include one or more breathing and / or filtration components 232 formed through a corresponding set of openings 234.

The mask 210 further includes a face portion 250 disposed between the lens 224 and the face blank 212 and the face portion 250 is configured to cover the mouth and nose of the user generally. In the exemplary embodiments, the face portion 250 is coupled to a pressure regulator or filtration system (not shown), which delivers respiratory gas to the user through the inner opening 261, as desired.

The mask 210 further includes a display device 270 coupled to the face portion 250 and the display device 270 may be coupled to the camera 250 via a wired or wireless connection, for example, 248). As shown, the display device 270 includes a main body 272 and an eyepiece 277. In exemplary embodiments, eyepiece 277 may include an optical element 287 and a display 288 (Fig. 9c) disposed within a cylinder or chamber of eyepiece 277 to provide visual images and feedback to the user. (Not shown). In one embodiment, the PCB includes a first data communication system 297. The eyepiece 277 may be powered by a single or multiple power sources 290, e.g., one or more batteries disposed in an integrated bottom section 246 (FIG. 10). In the exemplary embodiments, the power source 290 is disposed outside the lens 224 and the face portion 250.

Similar to the foregoing, the camera 248 may be a thermal imaging camera coupled to the exterior of the facial blank 212 and the lens 224. In other embodiments, the camera 248 may be positioned externally or remotely from the lens 224 and the face blank 212. For example, the camera 248 may be attached to a helmet, a chest harness, or a belt worn by a user. It will be appreciated that the embodiments herein are not limited to one particular camera location or camera type.

The camera 248 may be gimbaled and zoomable via electronic controls and may include a combination of a fisheye lens camera as well as a zoomable camera, or may include a reflex mirror camera, or other such as infrared or ultraviolet or any combination It can be a suitable camera system. It will be appreciated that multiple cameras and / or microphones may be used as part of the head-up display (HUD) or the in-mask display (IMD). Also, other camera types may be used, and the disclosure is not limited to geometry or camera type.

In the exemplary embodiments, the camera 248 does not include an internal power source, e.g., one or more batteries, and instead communicates with and receives power from a power source 290 in the integrated bottom section 246 . Alternatively, the camera 248 receives power from an external source, such as a second stage regulator or an air purification system (not shown). In one embodiment, camera 248 is electrically coupled to power supply 290 and first data communication system 297 via a set of wires extending through conduit 260, as shown in Fig. The conduit 260 that can be isolated includes a first section 260-A extending from the outer edge 252 of the bottom section 246 and a second section 260-A extending up to the camera 248 along the sealing member 228 2 section 260-B.

In the exemplary embodiments, the camera 248 also communicates visual data to the display 288 through the wirings of the conduit 260. For example, a PCB stack (not shown) of the camera 248 may include a second data communication system 313 operable with the first data communication system 297 of the PCB of the eyepiece 277. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, the thermal imaging visual data received via the camera 248 is processed by the second data communication system 313 and wirelessly transmitted to the first data communication system 297. The camera 48 may include or incorporate an ultrasonic transceiver that is coupled to the first data communication system 297 and provides additional computer-generated imaging that may be displayed as an ultrasound image. The camera 248 may capture environmental information, such as IR, visible or low optical images, ultrasound images, of the environment to which the user is confronted, and transmit it in a compressed or uncompressed form to the first data communication system 297 have.

The first data communication system 297 also includes a pressure transducer in fluid communication with a respiratory gas tank (not shown), a PASS device, a power source 290, a remote system communicatively coupled to the user, and / Data may be received from various components, including but not limited to, in a wired or wireless manner known in the communications arts. The first data communication system 297 communicates the received data from the components and generates a visual output that is displayed to the user via the display 288, the non-limiting examples of which illustrate the exemplary display outputs RTI ID = 0.0 > 120A-120I. ≪ / RTI >

It will be appreciated that one or both of the first data communication system 97, 297 and the second data communication system 113, 313 described herein may include a microcontroller, a computer system, a computing device, . This may include a system / server operating in many other general purpose or special purpose computing system environments or configurations. Examples of well known computing systems, environments, and / or configurations that may be suitable for use with a computer system / server include, but are not limited to, a personal computer system, a server computer system, a thin client, ), A handheld or laptop device, a multiprocessor system, a microprocessor-based system, a set top box, a programmable consumer electronics, a network PC, a minicomputer system, a mainframe computer system, and any of the systems or devices And a distributed cloud computing environment including a distributed cloud computing environment.

The computer system / server may be described in the general context of computer system executable instructions, e.g., program modules being executed by a computer system. In general, program modules may include routines, programs, objects, components, logic, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. A computer system / server may be implemented in distributed cloud computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed cloud computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote computer system storage media including memory storage devices.

In one embodiment, the computer system / server is in the form of a general purpose computing device. The components of the computer system / server may include one or more processors or processing units, system memory, and a bus coupling various system components including the system memory to the processor. The buses represent one or more of any of several types of bus structures including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, an accelerated graphics port, and a processor or local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. Such architectures may include an Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, a Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, an Extended ISA (EISA) bus, a Video Electronics Standards Committee (VESA) local bus, and a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus.

The computer system / server typically includes a variety of computer system readable media. Such media can be any available media accessible by a computer system / server, and it includes both volatile and non-volatile media, removable and non-removable media.

The system memory may include volatile memory, e.g., a random access memory (RAM) and / or a computer system readable medium in the form of a cache memory. The computer system / server may further include other removable / non-removable, volatile / non-volatile computer system storage media. By way of example only, the storage system may be provided for the purpose of reading from and writing to non-removable, non-volatile magnetic media (not shown and typically referred to as a "hard drive"). Although not shown, a magnetic disk drive may be provided for reading from and writing to a removable non-volatile optical disk, such as a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, or other optical media. In such a case, each may be connected to the bus by one or more data medium interfaces. As further shown and described below, the memory may include at least one program product having a set of program modules (e.g., at least one set) configured to perform the functions of the embodiments of the present invention .

A program / utility having a set of program modules (at least one set) may be stored in memory, as well as in an operating system, one or more application programs, other program modules, and program data. An operating system, one or more application programs, other program modules, and program data, or some combination thereof, may each comprise an implementation of a network environment. Program modules generally perform the functions and / or methodologies of the embodiments of the present invention as described herein.

The computer system / server may also communicate with one or more external devices that enable a user to interact with the camera and / or display. Such communications may occur through input / output (I / O) interfaces. Still, the computer system / server can communicate with one or more networks, such as a local area network (LAN), a cloud-based network, a general wide area network (WAN), and / have.

Based on the foregoing, it will be readily understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the present disclosure is capable of a wide variety of usability and applications. Many variations, modifications, and equivalents as well as many embodiments and modifications of this disclosure other than those specifically set forth herein may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure, Will be apparent from or reasonably suggested by the foregoing description of the same. Thus, while this disclosure has been described in detail herein with reference to its preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is merely for purposes of explanation and illustration of the present disclosure and is merely for the purpose of providing a complete and possible disclosure of the present disclosure It should be understood that it is made. The foregoing disclosure is not intended to be construed as limiting the disclosure or otherwise excluding any such other embodiments, modifications, variations, modifications or equivalent arrangements; This disclosure is limited only by the claims appended hereto and their equivalents. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims (20)

A facepiece disposed within the interior of the mask;
A lens coupled to a face blank, the lens covering the face;
A feedback system disposed between the lens and the face portion,
A display device coupled to the face portion; And
A power source coupled to the display device, the power source being electrically connected to the display device to supply power to the display device; And
And a recording device positioned outside the lens, the recording device being operable to communicate data with the display device. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a second power source disposed within a main housing of the recording device, the second power source supplying power to the recording device. The display device according to claim 2,
A chassis coupled to the chassis cover, the chassis including a flange partially surrounding a retaining flange of the face portion; And
And an eye piece pivotally coupled to the chassis, the eyepiece housing an optical element and a display. 4. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising an adjustment aperture formed through the chassis, the adjustment aperture allowing external adjustment of the eyepiece by a tool inserted through the adjustment aperture. 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the retaining flange is disposed at a distal end of the face portion,
Opening;
An interior shelf surrounding the opening; And
And a rim extending from the inner shell pro. The method of claim 3,
A first data communication system disposed within the display device; And
Further comprising a second data communication system of the recording device, wherein the second data communication system is in wireless communication with the first data communication system. 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the first data communication system is coupled to a printed circuit board positioned within an eyepiece of the display device, and wherein the second data communication system is coupled to a printed circuit board positioned within the main housing. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a lower section extending from a distal end of the lens, the power source being disposed between the lower section and the face section. 9. The apparatus of claim 8,
An upper edge coupled to the lens;
An outer edge coupled to the sealing member surrounding the lens; And
And an aperture disposed between the upper edge and the outer edge, the aperture in the lower section aligned with the central aperture of the lens and the aperture in the display device. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a conduit for powering the recording device from the power source. A face portion disposed within the interior of the mask;
A lens coupled to the face blank, the lens covering the face;
A feedback system disposed between the lens and the face portion,
A display device coupled to the face portion and including a first data communication system; And
A power source coupled to the display device, the power source being electrically connected to the display device to supply power to the display device; And
Wherein the feedback device comprises a lens and a feedback device external to the face blank, the feedback device comprising a camera and a second data communication system operable to wirelessly communicate data to the display device. Feedback system. 12. The in-mask feedback system of claim 11, further comprising a second power source disposed within a main housing of the feedback device, the second power source supplying power to the feedback device. 13. The display device according to claim 12,
A chassis coupled to the chassis cover, the chassis including an arcuate flange partially surrounding the retaining flange of the face portion; And
And an eyepiece pivotally coupled to the chassis, the eyepiece housing an optical element and a display. 14. The in-mask feedback system of claim 13, further comprising an adjustment aperture formed through the chassis, the adjustment aperture allowing external adjustment of the eyepiece by a tool inserted through the adjustment aperture. 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the retaining flange is disposed at a distal end of the face portion,
Opening;
An inner shelf surrounding said opening; And
And a rim extending from said inner shell pro. 14. The feedback device of claim 13 wherein the first data communication system is coupled to a printed circuit board positioned within an eyepiece of the display device and the second data communication system is coupled to a printed circuit board positioned within a main housing of the feedback device , Mask-feedback system. 14. The in-mask feedback system of claim 13, further comprising a lower section extending from a distal end of the lens, the power source being disposed between the lower section and the face section. 18. The method of claim 17,
An upper edge coupled to the lens;
An outer edge coupled to the sealing member surrounding the lens; And
And an aperture disposed between the upper edge and the outer edge, the aperture in the lower section being aligned with the central aperture of the lens and the aperture of the display device. 19. The apparatus of claim 18, further comprising a conduit for powering the feedback device from the power source,
A first section extending from an outer edge of the lower section; And
And a second section connecting the first section to the feedback device, the second section extending upwardly along the face blank. A face portion configured to surround the wearer's nose and mouth;
A face blank extending around the face portion;
A lens coupled to the face blank, the lens extending over the face;
An in-mask feedback system disposed between the lens and the face surface, the in-mask feedback system comprising:
A display device coupled to the face portion and including a first data communication system; And
A power source coupled to the display device, the power source being electrically coupled to the display device to power the display device, the power source being disposed between the distal end of the lens and the face portion; And
A feedback device coupled to the face blank and external to the lens, the feedback device including a camera and a second communication system operable to wirelessly communicate data with the display device.

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